13 Of The Coolest Events Happening In Southern California This Week

The immersive installation, 'Forcella Reigns: The Men Who Play Cards,' returns for a short run at Zombie Joe's Underground. (Image: 'Men Playing Cards Part IV,' courtesy of Francesca Bifulco)

Whether you just got back from Burning Man or spent the weekend chilling and Netflixing, we have your event options for this short, post-Labor Day week. Female composers take center stage. Watch Cher on celluloid. Get sneak peeks at the newest TV shows. Listen to Seun Kuti & Egypt 80 continue Fela Kuti's Afrobeat legacy. Enjoy a seafood-centric pop-up dinner. Discuss ways to solve homelessness in L.A. with KPCC and city officials.

WEDNESDAY, SEPT. 5 - SUNDAY, SEPT. 9 'Forcella Reigns: The Men Who Play Cards'Zombie Joe's Underground Theater — 4850 Lankershim Blvd., North HollywoodThis is an encore presentation of Francesca Bifulco and Alex Schetter's immersive art installation, which premiered in April. Originally intended to be a site-specific project in Naples, the project's title comes from a graffiti tag (Forcella Regna) that referred to crime syndicate battles. Bifulco embedded herself with a group of men who play cards on a corner staircase, "unwitting actors in an improvised show." The installation combines her sculptural paintings with hybrid stage design. All ages. COST: FREE, but donations accepted; MORE INFO

The big band collective Orquesta Akokán headlines the Twilight on the Pier concert series for the 'Latin Waves' edition. (Image: Courtesy of Daptone Records)

WEDNESDAY, SEPT. 5; 6:30 - 9:30 p.m.Twilight on the Pier Concert SeriesSanta Monica Pier — 200 Santa Monica Pier, Santa MonicaLive music returns to the pier for a six-week series kicking off with the theme Latin Waves. Headlined by the Cuban big band collective Orquesta Akokán on the main stage, other performers at the inaugural concert include Jarina De Marco (Latin), Quitapenas (Afro-Latin) and Sister Mantos (Latin Pop). The outdoor fest also features art, food, games, a beer and spirits garden, and pier amusements.COST: FREE; MORE INFO

WEDNESDAY, SEPT. 5; noonAuthor Luncheon with Leonard MaltinAmici Brentwood — 2538 San Vicente Blvd., BrentwoodDiesel, A Bookstore presents a lunch with Maltin, the longtime film reviewer and historian, to celebrate his new book, "Hooked on Hollywood." The paperback features interviews Maltin conducted throughout his lengthy career as well as 150 rare photos. Buy tickets to the luncheon by calling the store at: 310-576-9960. COST: $65 (includes a copy of the book and lunch); MORE INFO

THURSDAY, SEPT. 6; 8:30 p.m.Saul Williams and Mivos QuartetFord Theatres — 2580 Cahuenga Blvd. East, HollywoodThe slam poet, rapper, musician and performer joins the Mivos Quartet for a night of poetry complemented by "boundary-pushing string renditions." The program includes "NGH WHT (The Dead Emcee Scrolls)," with text by Williams and music by Swiss avant-garde composer Thomas Kessler, as well as the premiere of "Moonblood" by Mario Diaz de Leon. The intimate event will be presented in the round on stage. COST: $25; MORE INFO

THURSDAY, SEPT. 6; 7:30 p.m.'AnimaniacsLIVE!'Grammy Museum — 800 W. Olympic Blvd., downtown L.A.Those zany "Animaniacs" — led by the Warner brothers, Yakko and Wakko, and their sister, Dot — are back. Listen to songs from the hit animated series from the 1990s, known for brimming with pop-culture references. Randy Rogel, composer of the original show, teams up with Rob Paulsen (Yakko) to perform songs from the show. Clips from the series run in between songs, too.COST: $20; MORE INFO

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